How to decorate your bookshelf like an interior stylist

Bookshelves are one of those items that can make or break your room. Because they’re a practical storage option, they often become a dumping ground for miscellaneous junk, but when styled right, they’re the perfect place to style open displays of your most treasured items. The problem is how to make sure you display all your favourite pieces, while making everything look like it belongs!

We always opt for bookshelf frames in timber, neutral tones or painted the same colour as the wall they sit. If working with pre-existing shelves, take everything off to start with a blank canvas. Then decide what truly belongs on your display, thinking both in terms of what is necessary and what is loved. Aim to keep the shelves clutter free, storing smaller items in easily accessible boxes or marble trays and finding new homes for anything unwanted.

Balance and Size

Begin by introducing your larger items first, as these will become the bones of the display, keep a balance by staggering these larger pieces up the bookshelf and try not to have more than two larger items on the one shelf. Next, start adding your medium sized items, such as books, art and plants to break up the larger pieces. We’ve created height with music records on the bottom shelf - balanced with a plant and Henry Wilson piece on the top shelf. Balance is what creates visual cohesion among a myriad of belongings.

Colour

Keep in mind a colour scheme by working with a prominent colour and paired back with complimenting items. For our colour palette, we decided to place brown and white items on the top and bottom shelf, then adding darker items to tie the pieces together, then a pop colourful of artwork near the middle. If you’re sticking to a neutral scheme, a good tip is to stack books and magazines with their spines hidden away towards the wall or adjacent objects

Prioritize

Consider logically and realistically the items that are accessed the most frequently and place them accordingly. Also think creatively about different ways items can be placed, for example, place books horizontally versus vertically, or stack items together to create more visual interest. Keep in mind the shelf at eye-level will receive the most attention, so this is a great place for your favourite artwork. Finally, add the smallest pieces, and don’t be afraid to pair it back, less is often more.

Take a step back

Although your bookshelf makes a big impact to the feel of a space, it doesn’t need to be over-thought or overworked. When styling, make sure you step back to see how it all looks together. Keep it simple, have a play with your belongings, and don’t be afraid to add something unexpected now and then.